Royals Rumblings - News for February 19, 2019

Can the Royals pick up where they left off?

Royals Rumblings - News for February 19, 2019

The Royals will be looking to capitalize on their strong finish last year.

“These guys made great progress from the middle of August all through September, played really really good, exciting baseball and our fans really enjoyed it and got behind it,” manager Ned Yost said. “But does that mean that we’re going to automatically come in here and pick up where we left off? No.

“We’re going to have to pick up where we left. I mean we’re going to have to work hard to continue that type of improvement.”

Drew Storen will have no limitations now that he has recovered from Tommy John surgery.

Storen said the biggest difference throwing since his surgery has been his ability to spin the ball.

“Regardless of velocity, I’ve always relied on spin in one way or the other,” Storen said. “You tend to get around things a little bit more. I probably didn’t realize how much it was affecting me until I got a new elbow.”

The Royals are hoping to find another Rule 5 draft gem in Sam McWilliams, writes Jeffrey Flanagan.

Turns out, McWilliams and Keller are friends from their days in the D-backs’ organization. One would assume that Keller therefore has provided plenty of advice.

”I think he’s keeping some secrets from me so far, I think,” McWilliams said.

Lynn Worthy at the Kansass City Star looks at the top storylines of Royals’ camp.

Blair Kerkhoff wonders who was the better franchise shortstop - Alcides Escobar or Fred Patek.

Lee Judge points out that under-the-radar signings can pay off.

The Royals come to terms with six pre-arbitration-eligible players.

The Society of American Baseball Research has an essay on the history of Royals ownership.

Rustin Dodd has a nice piece on the latest Negro League Baseball Museum treasure.

Mike Moustakas could be playing second base in Milwaukee.

Giants manager Bruce Bochy will retire after this season.

MLBPA Chief Tony Clark voices frustration with the slow off-season for free agents.

Commissioner Rob Manfred also goes public, defending the lack of spending.

Could players collude with each other?

Marcus Stroman isn’t happy with the lack of veterans with the Blue Jays.

The Angels have internally discussed a new contract for Mike Trout.

Rapsodo 2.0 is a baseball tracking device that helps hitters and pitchers and is taking baseball by storm.

A format change saved the NBA All-Star Game.

Seven players to know after two weeks of AAF football.

Amazon resets its film operation after a rough year.

Emojis are appearing in court cases and courts aren’t prepared.

Reflecting on the soundtrack to Rushmore, 20 years later.

Your song of the day is The Faces with Ooh La La.